Shloka 84
Adhyātma–Adhibhūta–Adhidaivata Correspondences and the Triguṇa Lakṣaṇas (Śānti-parva 301)
भीष्म उवाच यथान्यायं त्वया तात प्रश्न: पृष्ट: सुसंकट: । बुधानामपि सम्मोह: प्रश्नेडस्मिन् भरतर्षभ,भीष्मजीने कहा--तात! भरतश्रेष्ठ! तुमने यथोचित रीतिसे यह बहुत ही जटिल प्रश्न उपस्थित किया। इस प्रश्नपर विचार करते समय बड़े-बड़े विद्वान् भी मोहित हो जाते हैं
bhīṣma uvāca | yathānyāyaṃ tvayā tāta praśnaḥ pṛṣṭaḥ susaṅkaṭaḥ | budhānām api sammohaḥ praśne ’smin bharatarṣabha ||
Bhishma said: “Dear child, O bull among the Bharatas, you have asked this question in a manner fully in accord with propriety—and it is exceedingly difficult. Indeed, when reflecting on this very question, even the wise can fall into perplexity.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights that questions of dharma can be intrinsically complex—so complex that even learned people may become perplexed—therefore one must approach ethical reasoning with care, humility, and patience.
In the Shanti Parva dialogue, Yudhishthira has posed a difficult ethical question. Bhishma begins his response by acknowledging both the propriety of the question and its depth, preparing the listener for a nuanced discussion.